Pressure cleaning apparatus



y 1964 F. w. ELMORE 3,140,050

PRESSURE CLEANING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 11, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 FREDERICK W. ELMORE July 7, 1964 w. ELMORE 3,140,050

PRESSURE CLEANING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 11, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR FREDER lCK W. ELMORE July 7, 1964 w, ELMORE PRESSURE CLEANING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 11, 1962 United States Patent O""|ce 3,140,050 PRESSURE CLEANIING APPARATUS Frederick W. Elmore, 24192 Trans-Canada Highway, Langley, British Columbia, Canada Filed Sept. 11, 1962, Ser. No. 222,880 9 Claims. (Cl. 239-443) This invention relates to apparatus for cleaning and spraying surfaces with cleaning and coating solutions.

This apparatus is primarily designed for cleaning barns and stables and spraying the walls thereof with lime, but it may be used for cleaning buildings of any type and for spraying any liquid. The apparatus although made up of fairly large components is such that it may be placed on a moving platform or the deck of a truck.

This apparatus is so designed that air alone or an atomized solution may be directed through a nozzle to clean and coat floors, walls and ceilings of buildings such as barns and stables. It may also include means for directing the solution in liquid form on to the surfaces through a nozzle. When a solution such as lime and water is used, the problem is to keep the lime from settling out of the water, and the present apparatus accomplishes this in a -very simple and effective manner.

Pressure cleaning apparatus according to the present invention comprises a closed main tank for holding a cleaning solution, a closed booster tank, means for directing air under pressure to the main tank, means for directing solution from the main tank to the booster tank, valve means for controlling said solution directing means, atomizing means at the booster tank for directing atomized solution from the latter tank to at least one discharge nozzle, and means for directing air from the main tank to said atomizing means, whereby when said valve means is closed, air only is directed through the atomizing means, and when the valve means is open atomized solution is directed from said atomizing means to a nozzle connected thereto. Thus, merely by closing the valve means the operator can direct air under pressure through the discharge nozzle to blow dust and dirt off the Walls being cleaned and out of corners where it is difficult to get at. Then simply by opening the valve means he sprays the solution, usually lime, over the surfaces and into the corners that he has blown clear of dust and dirt. The solution is atomized before it is discharged, and it is directed under pressure against the wall so that it not only covers the wall but tends to blow loose dirt and particles away from it. It is preferable to provide means for directing solution in liquid form to a discharge nozzle. This is used when it is desired to apply a heavy coating of the solution to the wall, and/ or when the wall is clean and does not need to be blown clear of dirt either by air alone or by atomized solution.

An example of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which,

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of pressure cleaning apparatus mounted on the platform of a trailer,

FIGURE 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus, and

FIGURE 3 is an end elevation thereof.

Referring to the drawings, the pressure cleaning apparatus is mounted on the deck of a trailer 12. This apparatus includes a main tank and a booster tank 18. Suitable means is provided for supplying air under pressure to the main tank. In this example, a converted V8 internal combustion engine 22 is used as a compressor, and is drawn by an internal combustion engine 23. The cylinders of compressor or engine 22 are arranged to pump air through pipes 26 and 27 having check valves 28 and 29 therein to an air tank 30. A pipe 34 having a shut-off valve 35 and a check valve 36 therein extends from tank 30 to main tank 15. Pipe 34 extends down into the main tank and terminates near the bottom thereof at 38, see FIGURE 3.

3,140,050 Patented July 7, 1964 Main tank 15 is adapted to hold a cleaning solution, such as a mixture of lime and water. This solution is moved from tank 15 to booster tank 18 through a pipe 42 having a control valve 43 therein. Pipe 42 extends from near the bottom of tank 15, at-44, see FIGURE 3, into and through the top of tank 18. It is preferable, although not absolutely necessary, to extend pipe 43 to a point near the bottom of tank 18, as indicated at 45.

An air pipe 48 extends from the top of tank 15 above the top of tank 18, and preferably communicates with the latter tank through a pipe 50 which opens through the top of said tank. Pipe 48 is connected to and forms part of atomizing apparatus which includes a pipe 52 extending from near the bottom of tank 18 at 53 up through the top of said tank and is connected to pipe 48. Although not absolutely necessary, pipe 48 may be connected to the upper end of another atomizing pipe 56 which extends down to near the bottom of tank 18 at 57. Pipe 48 also extends from pipe 56 to a header 60 from which one or more hoses 61 extend to one or more discharge nozzles 62. A control valve 63 is provided for each hose 61.

The cleaning apparatus described so far can function as a complete unit. When valve 35 is open, air is directed under pressure from tank 30 through pipe 34 into main tank 15. As pipe 34 extends to the bottom of the main tank, the air entering said tank keeps the liquid therein in constant agitation and so prevents the lime from settling in the tank during operation of the apparatus. If valve 43 is closed, no solution can move from the main tank into booster tank 18. At this time, air leaves the main tank and moves along pipe 48 to header 60 and thence to each nozzle 62. At this time the air under pressure may be directed against surfaces for cleaning purposes. When it is desired to spray the surfaces, valve 43 is opened and the pressure in tank 15 forces solution through pipe 42 into tank 18. As pipe 42 extends to the bottom of tank 18, the liquid in said tank is kept in a state of agitation. At the same time, air travels through pipe 48 and into the top of tank 18 through pipe 50. The applies pressure to the surface of the solution in this tank and forces it up through pipes 52 and 56. The air travelling through pipe 48 also passes over the tops of these pipes to atomize the solution and to direct it to header 60 and through each nozzle 62 that is being used. Thus the atomized solution is directed under pressure through the nozzle or nozzles.

There are times when it may be desirable to apply a thick coating to a surface, or to saturate the surface, and for this purpose a separate discharge nozzle 66 is provided. This nozzle is connected by a hose 67 to a pipe 68 which extends down into tank 15 and terminates at 69 near the bottom thereof. It is desirable to provide a control valve 70 between pipe 68 and hose 67. When this valve is opened, pressure in tank 15 forces solution through pipe 68, hose 6'7 and nozzle 66. This solution is not atomized, but nozzle 66 is preferably such that the solution sprays therefrom. This arrangement provides means for directing a heavy coating of the solution on to the surface.

Although main tank 15 may be made as large as desired, it is preferable to keep it relatively small and to provide a reserve tank 75. A pipe 78 having a control valve 7 9 therein extends from pipe 42 to tank 75, and terminates near the bottom thereof, as indicated at 80 in FIGURE 2. Valve 79 is normally closed. Another pipe 82 having a control valve 83 therein extends from the top of tank 75 to the top of tank 15, and in this example pipe 82 is connected to pipe 48 so that the both of said pipes communicate with the top of tank 15.

Suitable means is provided for transferring solution from tank 75 to main tank 15. In this example, a pipe 88 having a valve 89 therein extends from the bottom of tank 75 to a pump 90 which is driven in any suitable manner, such as by means of an internal combustion engine 91. The outlet of pump 90 is connected by a pipe 93 having a valve 94 therein to pipe 68 extending into main tank A pipe 97 having a valve 98 therein extends between pipes 88 and 93, by-passing pump 90 and valves 89 and 94. Reserve tank 75 is provided with a large opening 100 in the top thereof normally closed by a removable cover 101.

Before transferring solution from reserve tank 75 to main tank 15, it is desirable to agitate or stir the solution in the reserve tank. This is done by closing valves 43, 83, 89 and 94, and opening valves 79 and 98. If there is solution in tank 15, the pressure in said tank directs the solution through pipes 42 and 78 and pipes 68, 93, 97 and 88 into tank 75 near the bottom thereof to agitate the solution therein. If there is no solution in tank 15, air is directed into the reserve tank through said pipes for agitating purposes, said air escaping from the tank through opening 100. Valves 79 and 98 are then closed, and valves 89, 94 and 83 opened. Pump 90 is operated to transfer solution from tank 75 to tank 15, while air escapes from the latter tank through pipe 82. When tank 15 is full, valves 89, 94 and 83 are closed and valve 43 opened, after which the apparatus is operated in the usual manner.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. Pressure cleaning apparatus comprising a closed main tank for holding a cleaning solution, a closed booster tank, means for directing air under pressure to the main tank, liquid pipe means for directing solution from the main tank to the booster tank, valve means in said pipe means, atomizing means in communication with the booster tank and to which a discharge nozzle is connected, air pipe means extending from the main tank to said atomizing means to supply atomizing air thereto, and means connecting said air pipe means to the booster tank to supply air to said booster tank, whereby air under pressure supplied to the main tank is directed through said air pipe means to the booster tank and the atomizing means, and when said valve means is open, said air forces solution from the main tank to the booster tank and when said valve means is closed, said air travels alone to said nozzle.

2. Pressure cleaning apparatus comprising a closed main tank for holding a cleaning solution, a closed booster tank, a pipe extending to near the bottom of the main tank and through which air under pressure is directed into said main tank, said air agitating the solution as it enters the main tank, liquid pipe means for directing solution from the main tank to the booster tank, valve means in said pipe means, atomizing means in communication with the booster tank and to which a discharge nozzle is connected, air pipe means extending from the main tank to said atomizing means to supply atomizing air thereto, and means connecting said air pipe means to the booster tank to supply air to said booster tank, whereby air under pressure supplied to the main tank is directed through said air pipe means to the booster tank and the atomizing means, and when said valve means is open, said air forces solution from the main tank to the booster tank and when said valve means is closed, said air travels alone to said nozzle.

3. Pressure cleaning apparatus comprising a closed main tank for holding a cleaning solution, a closed booster tank, a pipe extending to near the bottom of the main tank and through which air under pressure is directed into said main tank, said air agitating the solution as it enters the main tank, a pipe extending from near the bottom of the main tank to the booster tank, a control valve in said pipe, atomizing means in communication with the booster tank and to which a discharge nozzle is connected, and air pipe means extending from the main tank to said atomizing means to supply atomizing air thereto,

and means connecting said air pipe means to the booster tank to supply air to said booster tank, whereby air under pressure supplied to the main tank is directed through said air pipe means to the booster tank and the atomizing means, and when said control valve is open, said air forces solution from the main tank to the booster tank and when said control valve is closed, said air travels alone to said nozzle.

4. Pressure cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3 including a reserve solution tank, a first valve controlled pipe extending from the reserve tank to the pipe extending between the main booster tanks, a second valve controlled pipe extending from the reserve to the main tank, and pump means connected to said second pipe for transferring solution from the reserve tank to the main tank.

5. Pressure cleaning apparatus comprising a closed main tank for holding a cleaning solution, a closed booster tank, means for directing air under pressure to the main tank, liquid pipe means for directing solution from the main tank to the booster tank, valve means in said pipe means, atomizing means in communication with the booster tank and to which a discharge nozzle is connected, a pipe extending from near the bottom of the main tank and to which another discharge nozzle is connected, air pipe means extending from the main tank to said atomizing means to supply atomizing air thereto, and means connecting said air pipe means to the booster tank to supply air to said booster tank, whereby air under pressure supplied to the main tank is directed through said air pipe means to the booster tank and the atomizing means, and when said valve means is open, said air forces solution from the main tank to the booster tank and when said valve means is closed, said air travels alone to said nozzle.

6. Pressure cleaning apparatus comprising a closed main tank for holding a cleaning solution, a closed booster tank, a pipe extending to near the bottom of the main tank and through which air under pressure is directed into said main tank, said air agitating the solution as it enters the main tank, an atomizing pipe extending from near the bottom of the booster tank and opening out therefrom near the top thereof, an air entrance pipe in communication with the top of the booster tank, a liquid pipe extending from near the bottom of the main tank to the booster tank, a control valve in said liquid pipe, and an air pipe extending from the top of the main tank and connected to the air entrance pipe and to the atomizing pipe, said air pipe extending beyond the atomizing pipe and to which a discharge nozzle is connected, whereby air under pressure supplied to the main tank is directed through said air pipe and the entrance pipe into the booster tank and over the atomizing pipe to draw solution through the latter from the booster tank when said valve is open.

7. Pressure cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 6 including a pipe extending out of the main tank from ear the bottom thereof and to which a discharge nozzle is connected.

8. Pressure cleaning apparatus comprising a closed main tank for holding a cleaning solution, a closed booster tank, means for directing air under pressure to the main tank, means for directing solution from the main tank to the booster tank, valve means for controlling said solution directing means, a discharge nozzle, atomizing means at the booster tank connected to the nozzle for directing atomized solution from the latter tank to said discharge nozzle, and means for directing air from the main tank to said atomizing means, whereby when said valve means is closed air only is directed through the atomizing means, and when said valve means is open atomized solu tion is directed from said atomizing means to the nozzle connected thereto.

9. Pressure cleaning apparatus comprising a closed main tank for holding a cleaning solution, a closed boostamaoso er tank, means for directing air under pressure to the main tank, means for directing solution from the main tank to the booster tank, valve means for controlling said solution directing means, a first discharge nozzle, atomizing means at the booster tank connected to the first nozzle for directing atomized solution from the latter tank to said first nozzle, a second discharge nozzle, pipe means for directing solution from the main tank to said second nozzle, and means for directing air from the main tank to the top of the booster tank and to said atomizing means, whereby when said valve means is closed air only is directed through the atomizing means, and when said valve means is open atomized solution is directed from said atomizing means to said first nozzle connected thereto.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Grant Aug. 15, Bolger Mar. 20, Bunch May 24, Keathley July 22, Rednour Dec. 29, Boehm Jan. 9, Ligon June 5, Coffman et al. Apr. 2, Darnrow Sept. 10,

FOREIGN PATENTS France May 22, 

1. PRESSURE CLEANING APPARATUS COMPRISING A CLOSED MAIN TANK FOR HOLDING A CLEANING SOLUTION, A CLOSED BOOSTER TANK, MEANS FOR DIRECTING AIR UNDER PRESSURE TO THE MAIN TANK, LIQUID PIPE MEANS FOR DIRECTING SOLUTION FROM THE MAIN TANK TO THE BOOSTER TANK, VALVE MEANS IN SAID PIPE MEANS, ATOMIZING MEANS IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOOSTER TANK AND TO WHICH A DISCHARGE NOZZLE IS CONNECTED, AIR PIPE MEANS EXTENDING FROM THE MAIN TANK TO SAID ATOMIZING MEANS TO SUPPLY ATOMIZING AIR THERETO, AND MEANS CONNECTING SAID AIR PIPE MEANS TO THE BOOSTER TANK TO SUPPLY AIR TO SAID BOOSTER TANK, WHEREBY AIR UNDER PRESSURE SUPPLIED TO THE MAIN TANK IS DIRECTED THROUGH SAID AIR PIPE MEANS TO THE BOOSTER TANK AND THE ATOMIZING MEANS, AND WHEN SAID VALVE MEANS IS OPEN, SAID AIR FORCES SOLUTION FROM THE MAIN TANK TO THE BOOSTER TANK AND WHEN SAID VALVE MEANS IS CLOSED, SAID AIR TRAVELS ALONE TO SAID NOZZLE. 